2011 Dirty Dozen Tax Scams

The IRS has announced its annual list of top tax scams for 2011, called The Dirty Dozen. Hiding income in offshore accounts, identify theft, return preparer fraud, and filing false or misleading tax forms tops the list. “The Dirty Dozen represents the worst of the worst tax scams,” IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. “Don’t fall prey to these tax scams. They may look tempting, but these fraudulent deals end up hurting people who participate in them.”

The IRS works closely with the Justice Department to pursue and prosecute the perpetrators with heavy fines and jail time. Unfortunately, the taxpayers who get involved are left to repay all taxes due plus penalties and interest.